Mind Your Manners: 7 Funny Picture Books that Teach Etiquette

Do Unto Otters, by Laurie Keller
Mr. Rabbit is unnerved when he discovers his new neighbors are—gasp!—otters. But he doesn’t know anything about otters, he frets. Can they even be friends? Thus Mr. Rabbit begins his journey, learning how to be a polite neighbor and an all-around considerate friend. This witty and whimsical book teaches the Golden Rule without boring children with a stuffy lesson in manners.

Madeline Says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book, by John Bemelmans Marciano
To the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just says pooh-pooh—but to everyone else she says, “please” and “thank you.” For fans of the Madeline series, this guide to politeness, written and illustrated by the grandson of Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans, is an essential addition to your collection. While the lessons on social skills might seem basic, like how to apologize, this book explores etiquette in a charming way that young children will love.

No, David!, by David Shannon
When author and artist David Shannon was just a little boy, he wrote a semi-autobiographical story about a little boy who broke every rule. David tracks mud into the house, breaks his mother’s vase, and yes, runs naked down the street. Throughout it all is his mother’s refrain: “No, David!” This is Shannon’s first book in the “David” series, following the spirited antics of a naughty, feral boy, and it’s probably the most beloved. Even the tiniest tykes will enjoy chiming in with a “No, David!”

Excuse Me! A Little Book of Manners, by Karen Katz
You broke your sister’s toy! What do you say? Simply lift the flap to discover the proper response. (Spoiler: You say, “I’m sorry.”) With simple, easy to comprehend words and bright, bold illustrations, children will grab for this book for reasons beyond the lesson in manners. The engagement of lifting the flaps on each page makes “Excuse Me!” fun, and most of all, memorable.

Llama Llama Time to Share, by Anna Dewdney
Nelly Gnu is the new girl (get it?), and Llama Llama is apprehensive about sharing his toys. Maybe he’ll share just his blocks, he thinks, but definitely not his dolly, Fuzzy Llama. Later, when Llama Llama is distracted, Nelly borrows Fuzzy Llama to play on her own. Llama Llama throws a tantrum, and some reality TV-worthy llama drama ensues. The illustrations are cuddly and adorable, and the rhymes makes this story a joy to read aloud, but it’s the message to share that truly shines.

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
How does a dinosaur eat all his food? Does he burp, does he belch, or make noises quite rude? It turns out that dinosaurs actually have impeccable table manners, and they never, ever blow bubbles in their milk. The depictions of dining dinosaurs is less than realistic, but only the stuffiest paleontologist would find fault with that. Everyone else will be too busy laughing at this hilarious take on how to act at the dinner table.

My Mouth is a Volcano, by Julia Cook and Carrie Hartman
Louis is a young boy who always has something important to say, so he constantly interrupts others when they are talking. He compares his mouth to a volcano that is always erupting, with the words spilling forth before he can stop them. This story teaches children to be mindful of their words and offers a gentle lesson in how to appropriately participate in a conversation. You might also want to give it to a few adults.
What are your favorite children’s books about manners?